Culture Days will take place from Sept. 23 to Oct. 16, with a variety of activities to celebrate local arts and culture. Culture Days is an annual nation-wide event that has become one of Canada’s largest participatory cultural events.

“The City is pleased to take part in the annual Culture Days celebration to acknowledge the vital role that arts, heritage and culture play in our community well-being and local economy,” said Callie Hemsworth, the City’s Acting Supervisor of Cultural Development, Community Programming & Events. “We encourage everyone to show their support and participate in the many cultural activities being planned throughout the month by community partners.”

The city has partnered with local organizations to provide free or “pay-what-you-may” activities that are participatory in nature. Organizations are encouraged to register any activities throughout the month that encourage people to embrace their creative side.

The City’s Recreation & Culture Division will be hosting an event on Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Baggage Building Arts Centre. Activities include interactive art, live music and crafts with partners Community Arts & Heritage Education Project (CAHEP) and Willow Springs Creative Centre.

In addition, local cultural organizations, artists and community groups have created engaging activities across our community for everyone to participate in over the next month. Community Programming throughout the Culture Days celebration includes:

 

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation flag-raising at Hillcrest Park (Sept. 30)
  • Free dance sessions by World Dance Collective at Goods & Co Market (Sept. 25)
  • World Cultural Dance performances at Marina Park (Sept. 25-28)
  • Baggage Building Arts Centre Culture Days celebration (Oct. 2)
  • Book launches, signings and creative programming at Thunder Bay Public Library (ongoing)
  • Free kids’ colouring activities, a free public lecture and pay-what-you-can admission at Thunder Bay Museum
  • Drop-in arts classes at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre
  • Stay tuned for more activities being added throughout the month

This year, Culture Days has set Sept. 30 aside specifically to create space for events organized to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Events held on this day will share First Nations, Metis, and/or Inuit experiences and perspectives celebrating creative and cultural expressions of Indigenous people and communities.

For an evolving list of activities happening locally, visit www.thunderbay.ca/culturedays.

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Contact:   Callie Hemsworth, Acting Supervisor - Cultural Development, Community Programming & Events, 807-628-5250; callie.hemsworth@thunderbay.ca